Senate Democrats close to approving budget

WASHINGTON -- Senate Democrats Friday neared approval of their first budget proposal in four years, calling for almost $1 trillion in tax increases over the coming decade while sheltering safety net programs targeted by House Republicans.

The Democrats also would reverse automatic spending cuts that are beginning to strike both the Pentagon and domestic programs.

The nonbinding but politically symbolic measure caters to party stalwarts on the liberal edge of the spectrum just as the House GOP measure is crafted to appeal to more recent tea party arrivals.

Approval of the Senate version was expected to come long after dark -- after dozens of votes on amendments, many of which were offered in hopes of inflicting political damage on Democratic senators up for re-election in GOP-leaning states such as Alaska and Louisiana.

Some $1 trillion in new revenue would flow to the government over the coming decade and would be coupled with a net $875 billion in spending cuts. The budget also proposes $100 billion for infrastructure projects and job training programs. -- AP